Overview

Cardiovascular Imaging Research Core (CIRC) provides non-invasive cardiovascular imaging support for investigators involved in clinical research involving infants, children and adolescents. The CIRC has dedicated space, equipment and experienced staff to provide high quality cardiovascular imaging services as well as post-processing of previously acquired images using specialized software. These services include performance of a routine complete or limited congenital or non-congenital two-dimensional echocardiography, color and spectral Doppler imaging; advanced echocardiographic imaging including three-dimensional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, strain and strain rate imaging; stress echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. CIRC has also launched a program for assessment of vascular health in pediatric patients that includes non-invasive assessment of endothelial function using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, measurement of arterial stiffness using applanation tonometry and assessment of structural arterial changes using carotid imaging. In 2015, CIRC expanded our research administration offerings to include data coordinating center and core imaging site capabilities for multi-center studies.

We commit to working with each investigator to provide a research plan that best fits your research goals in an effort to increase your scientific productivity.

Newsletters

View our January 2023 Newsletter

View our May 2021 Newsletter

View our August 2018 Newsletter

View our August 2017 Newsletter

Citing the Cardiovascular Imaging Research Core

All abstracts, publications, grant proposals, and other related documents made possible through the use of this core must cite “Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiovascular Imaging Research Core” in the acknowledgements.

Core description for use in NIH Facilities & Resources page:

Cardiovascular Imaging Research Core (CIRC) provides non-invasive cardiovascular imaging support for investigators involved in clinical research involving infants, children and adolescents. The CIRC has dedicated space, equipment and experienced staff to provide high quality cardiovascular imaging services as well as post-processing of previously acquired images using specialized software. These services include performance of a routine complete or limited congenital or non-congenital two-dimensional echocardiography, color and spectral Doppler imaging, advanced echocardiographic imaging including three-dimensional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, strain and strain rate imaging, stress echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. CIRC has also launched a program for assessment of vascular health in pediatric patients that includes non-invasive assessment of endothelial function using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, measurement of arterial stiffness using applanation tonometry and assessment of structural arterial changes using carotid imaging.

CIRC offers a number of services:

  • Echocardiograms
    • Complete and limited non-congenital
    • Complete and limited congenital
    • Color and spectral Doppler
    • 3-D imaging
    • Strain and strain rate imaging
    • Tissue Doppler imaging
  • Vascular function assessment
    • Pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis
    • Carotid artery imaging
    • Brachial flow mediated dilation
  • Stress echocardiograms
    • Upright bicycle
    • VO2 analysis
  • Exercise stress testing
  • Electrocardiograms
  • Cardiac MRI (logistical and analysis support)
  • Non-invasive imaging protocol development
  • Echocardiogram Qualitative Analysis with Vendor Neutral system
  • Post-processing of images
  • Dedicated research exam room

The CIRC is located at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston in Outpatient Cardiac Services, on the 2nd Floor of Tower 1.  Please call 404-785-CIRC (2472) or email CIRC@choa.org to access CIRC services.